Child-resistant box

ABSTRACT

A child-resistant box that includes a container and a pivotally coupled closure. The closure includes one or more projections that can engage with the rolled rim of the container for securing the closure to the container. Under an external downwards force on the closure, the one or more projections can snap over the rolled rim. The closure can be opened by depressing a front wall of the container resulting in the rim moving inwards past one or more projections. Once the rim disengages from the one or more projections, the closure can be lifted and the box opened.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from the U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/082,871, filed on Sep. 24, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a child-resistant box, and more particularly, the present invention relates to a reusable box having a combination of a container and a closure that is difficult to be opened by a child.

BACKGROUND

Child-resistant packaging or CR packaging is known in the art as a special packaging that is difficult for a child to open but can be easily opened by an adult. Child-resistant packaging is mandatory for certain substances, particularly hazardous substances, to reduce the risk of children ingesting hazardous substances. People do not want containers to be opened by children when the containers carry a substance that is harmful, controlled, dangerous, or costly. Notably, prescription medicines and household chemicals are at particular risk of being accessed by children. Some substances are subject to legal restrictions, such as most notably, mind-altering substances, like marijuana and derivatives. Pharmaceuticals and marijuana or hemp-based products are controlled substances that should be kept out of reach of children. The federal and governmental agencies institute various laws and regulations that mandate child-protective barriers be used to prevent minors from accessing controlled substances, such as cannabis and cannabis products.

The European Union and the United States maintain regulations as to child-resistant packaging for drugs and other substances. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regulated child-resistant packaging based on the Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA). The special packaging requirements under the PPPA are directed towards designing packaging to make it significantly difficult for children under five years old to open the packaging or obtain a toxic or harmful amount of the substance therein within a reasonable amount of time. The requirements also maintain that it should not be difficult for ordinary adults to use the packaging properly. Thus, caps and closures for containers should usually be tight enough to maintain a seal and resist working loose. Still, such containers should not be so difficult to open that the intended end user cannot conveniently open the container.

Therefore, a desire is there for child-resistant packaging that is economical to manufacture and can be opened readily and easily by adults.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary of one or more embodiments of the present invention to provide a basic understanding of such embodiments. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated embodiments and is intended to neither identify critical elements of all embodiments nor delineate the scope of any or all embodiments. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more embodiments in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The principal object of the present invention is therefore directed to a child-resistant box that is difficult to be opened by a child.

It is another object of the present invention that the disclosed child-resistant box can be easily opened by an adult.

It is still another object of the present invention that the disclosed child-resistant box is economical to manufacture.

It is yet another object of the present invention that the disclosed child-resistant box is reusable.

It is a further object of the present invention that the disclosed child-resistant box is simpler in construction but effective as a child-resistant packaging.

In one aspect, the child-resistant box can include a container and a closure. The container includes a base and an upstanding wall, wherein the base and the wall define an inner volume of the container. The container has an open top for gaining access into the inner volume of the container. The rim of the container can be outwardly rolled. The closure can be pivotally coupled to the container wherein the rear sides of the container and the closure can have hinge joints for coupling the closure to the container. The closure can be switched between an open state and a close state. The inner volume of the container can be accessible in the open state of the closure and the inner volume of the container can be closed in the closed state of the closure.

In one aspect, the closure can have a central section and a skirt that perpendicularly extends downwards from a periphery of the central section. The skirt has an inner surface and an outer surface. The rear side of the skirt can be pivotally coupled to the wall of the container. The closure can overlap over the rim of the container, such as when the closure is closed, the rim of the container can rest against the central section of the closure. The inner surface of the front side of the skirt of the closure can have one or more projections that can push against the outwardly rolled rim of the container. One or more projections can be provided spaced apart and at the same level on the inner surface of the skirt of the closure. The space between the central section of the closure and the one or more projections can be proportional to a thickness of the rolled rim of the closure. To close the closure, the closure can be allowed to fall over the container, and thereafter some force can be applied on the closure resulting in the rolled rim of the container snapping over the one or more projections and the rim retained within the space between the projections and the central section of the lid. The engagement of the projections with the rim can prevent the opening of the box. To open the closure, the front wall of the container can be depressed, for example, applying force by thumbs, resulting in the rim moving inwards passing the width of the projections, and once the rim passes the projections, the closure can be pushed outwards and upwards resulting in the opening of the box.

In one aspect, the projections can be half-moon-shaped, with the lower portion of the projections curved while the top of the projections can be flat.

In one aspect, similar but inverse half-moon shape projections can also be provided on the outer surface of the walls of the container. The inverted projections can be provided adjacent to the periphery of the open top of the container. The projections of the closure can engage with the inverted projections of the container to secure the opening of the closure. While being closed, the curved top portion of the container's projection can slide over the curved bottom portion of the closure's projection, and the flat bottom of the container's projections can snap-fit over the flat top of the closure's projection.

These and other objects and advantages of the embodiments herein and the summary will become readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, which are incorporated herein, form part of the specification and illustrate embodiments of the present invention. Together with the description, the figures further explain the principles of the present invention and enable a person skilled in the relevant arts to make and use the invention.

FIG. 1 is a top view of a child-resistant box of a rectangular shape, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the child-resistant box, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the child-resistant box showing two depressions in a skirt of the closure that projects inwards to form the two projections, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the child-resistant box showing two hinge joints pivotally coupling the closure to the container, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows the child-resistant box in an open state showing the container, the closure, two hinge joints on the rear side of the child-resistant box, an outwardly rolled rim of the container, and two half-moon shape projections on a front inner side of the closure, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side sectional view showing the half-moon-shaped projection engaged to the outwardly rolled rim of the container, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Subject matter will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments. Subject matter may, however, be embodied in a variety of different forms and, therefore, covered or claimed subject matter is intended to be construed as not being limited to any exemplary embodiments set forth herein; exemplary embodiments are provided merely to be illustrative. Likewise, reasonably broad scope for claimed or covered subject matter is intended. Among other things, for example, the subject matter may be embodied as methods, devices, components, or systems. The following detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be taken in a limiting sense.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Likewise, the term “embodiments of the present invention” does not require that all embodiments of the invention include the discussed feature, advantage, or mode of operation.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of embodiments of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprise”, “comprising,”, “includes” and/or “including”, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The following detailed description includes the best currently contemplated mode or modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention since the scope of the invention will be best defined by the allowed claims of any resulting patent.

Referring to FIGS. 1-5 which shows an exemplary embodiment of child-resistant box 10 that can have a container 100 and a closure 200. The container 100 can include a base 105 and a wall 110, wherein the base 105 and the wall 110 define an inner volume of the container 100. The container 100 can include an open-top for gaining access to the inner volume of the container 100. The container 100 shown in the drawings is rectangular, however, the containers of any other shape and size are within the scope of the present invention. For example, the container and the closure can be square-shaped. The container can be a palm-size container used for storing medicines or psychotropic substances. The container can be made from a medical-grade material, such as a sheet of metal. Coatings of suitable material can also be provided for safety and aesthetic purposes, such as a colored coating can be provided. In one case, the container can be made from a lightweight metal such as tin or aluminum. The rim 115 of the container 100 can be outwardly rolled. The outwardly rolled rim 115 can be more clearly seen in FIG. 6 which shows a sectional side view of the child-resistant box 10.

FIG. 4 shows the rear view of the child-resistant box 10. Two hinge joints 120 can be seen on the rear side of the child-resistant box 10 that can pivotally couple the closure 200 to the container 100. The rear side of the closure 200 can be coupled to the rear side of the container 100 through the one or more hinge joints 120. The closure 200 can be pivoted between an open state and a close state. FIGS. 3 and 4 show the closure 200 in the closed state, wherein the inner volume of the container is closed by the closure 200 encasing and protecting items contained in the container. FIG. 5 shows the closure 200 in the open state, wherein the inner volume of the container is accessible to put or withdraw an item from the container 100.

FIG. 3 shows a front of the child-resistant box 10 in the closed state. Two depressions can be seen on the front side of the closure. The closure, as seen in FIG. 5, can include a central section 205 and a skirt 215 extending downwards from a periphery of the central section. The rear side of the skirt can be coupled through hinge joints 120. The front side of the skirt as can be seen in FIG. 3 including two depressions that projects inwards as two half-moon shape projections 210. FIG. 5 shows the two half-moon shape projections 210 which are round or curved at the bottom and flat at the top. The projection 210 can be more clearly seen in FIG. 6 with a round or curved bottom and a flat top. FIG. 5 shows two such projections 210, however one or more of such projections are within the scope of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, which shows the projections 210 engaged to the rim 115 of the container 100. The space between the projection 210 and the central section 205 of the closure can be proportionated to a thickness of the rim 115 of the container. To close the container, the closure can fall upon the container, however, the projection 210 is retained against the rim 115 preventing the closing of the closure. The closure can then be depressed downwards using suitable force, which may result in the rolled rim snapping over the projections 210. Because of the curved bottom of the projections, the projection 210 can smoothly slide over the rolled rim 115, and the rim snaps into the space between the projection and the central section of the closure. The projection 210 engaged to the rim 115 prevents opening of the box 10.

To open the closure, the front wall of the container 100 can be depressed inwards. At least the front wall of the container can be configured to be resiliently deformable. In one case, the box can be grasped in two hands with the thumbs placed on the front wall of the container. Thereafter, a force can be applied by the thumbs over the front wall of the container causing the front wall to bend slightly inwards resulting in the rim of the container moving inwards passing a width of the projection 210. When the rim 115 is just past the projection 210, the closure can be lifted resulting in the opening of the box. Alternatively, the front side of the skirt can be pulled outwards and upwards resulting in disengagement of the projection 210, and the closure can be lifted.

In one alternate embodiment, instead of the rolled rim, a similar but inverted half-moon shape projection can be provided on the outer surface of the front wall of the container and adjacent to the rim. The projection 210 on the skirt of the closure can engage with the inverted half-moon shape projection on the container.

In an alternate embodiment, instead of the rolled rim, grooves can be provided on the front wall of the container and adjacent to the rim, wherein the half-moon shape projections on the skirt of the closure can be received into the grooves.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above-described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A child-resistant box comprising: a container comprising: a base and a wall, wherein the base and the wall define an inner volume of the container, the container has an open-top, an outwardly rolled rim along a periphery of the open-top; and a closure pivotally coupled to the container, the closure comprising: a central section and a skirt that extends downwards from a periphery of the central section, the skirt has an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface of the skirt has one or more projections, wherein a space between the one or more projections and the central section is proportional to a thickness of the outwardly rolled rim, wherein the outwardly rolled rim is configured to slide over the one or more projections under an external force and retained within the space between the one or more projections and the central section.
 2. The child-resistant box according to claim 1, wherein the container and the closure are rectangular, a rear side of the closure is pivotally coupled to a rear side of the container, the one or more projections comprises two spaced-apart projections on the inner surface of a front side of the skirt.
 3. The child-resistant box according to claim 2, wherein the child-resistant box further comprises two hinge joints pivotally coupling the container and the closure.
 4. The child-resistant box according to claim 2, wherein a front wall of the wall of the container is configured to be resiliently depressed inwards under an external force, wherein upon depressing the front wall, the outwardly rolled rim moves inwards to be just past the two spaced-apart projections.
 5. The child-resistant box according to claim 1, wherein the one or more projections have a rounded bottom and a flat top similar to a quarter sphere.
 6. A method for restricting access of a child to a container, the method comprising the steps of: providing a child-resistant box comprising: a container comprising: a base and a wall, wherein the base and the wall define an inner volume of the container, the container has an open-top, an outwardly rolled rim along a periphery of the open-top, a closure pivotally coupled to the container, the closure comprising: a central section and a skirt that extends downwards from a periphery of the central section, the skirt has an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface of the skirt has one or more projections, wherein a space between the one or more projections and the central section is proportional to a thickness of the outwardly rolled rim, wherein the outwardly rolled rim is configured to slide over the one or more projections under an external force and retained within the space between the one or more projections and the central section; and applying a downward force on the closure resulting in the one or more projections snapping over the outwardly rolled rim.
 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the container and the closure are rectangular, a rear side of the closure is pivotally coupled to a rear side of the container, the one or more projections comprises two spaced-apart projections on the inner surface of a front side of the skirt, wherein the method further comprises the steps of: grasping the child-resistant box in hands with thumbs on a front wall of the wall of the container; depressing the front wall of the container by the thumbs resulting in moving of the outwardly rolled rim inwards; and lifting the closure outwards and upwards. 